Tongue cancer

Find out more about the causes and symptoms, and the most commonly used diagnostic tests and treatment types for tongue cancer on this page.

Causes and symptoms

Oral cancer is a rare cancer type, which is why it is only treated in a select number of specialized medical centers, such as the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Approximately 200 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with cancer of the lips, and 700 with oral cancer every year. These cancer types are more common in men than in women and usually develop after the age of 50.

Factors that may play a role in the development of this cancer time are smoking, alcohol use, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and a family history of cancer in the mouth.

Diagnosis

The following diagnostic tests may be done to confirm or rule out tongue cancer:

Treatment options

Your exact treatment options will depend on the tumor type and stage. Your overall health and shape will also affect your options. We will inform you about the process beforehand, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions. Your treatment will most likely consist of one or more of the following treatments: